Howell, NJ Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Section 208-10 of the Howell Township Code has four parts. Subsection A prohibits removing or rendering inoperative, or leaving less effective than originally equipped, any device or element of design built into a motor vehicle for noise control, other than for maintenance, repair or replacement. It also bars operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle that has been modified that way, and a vehicle that fails the rule is in violation whether it is stationary or in motion in any public space or public right-of-way. Subsection B requires every motorcycle to carry a muffler that complies with and is labeled under the federal noise regulations at 40 CFR Part 205.

Subsections C and D cover vehicle stereos. Personal or commercial vehicular music amplification or reproduction equipment cannot be plainly audible at a distance of 25 feet in any direction from the operator between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., or at a distance of 50 feet between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Chapter 211, Article III, adopted 9-16-2025 by Ord. No. 25-35, separately lists as unlawful the discharge of engine or motor vehicle exhaust except through a muffler or other device that effectively prevents loud or explosive noises, and horns that emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or sound for an unreasonable period (§ 211-8A(4) and (5)). Chapter 208 violations go through the Noise Control Officer and the NOV and NOPA process in § 208-11.